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10 romantic books to read (again)

Romance stories aren't just found in in the romance section in the bookstore. For centuries, it has worked its way into hundreds of books and stories, many of which are ones we still love to read.

Log in below to see the list of 10 romantic novels you should read, or read again.

You can listen to these novels (aka audiobooks) with the Audible app or on Audible.com. Members can get a 60-day free trial if they sign up for Audible today! Click here to get your unique promo code and redeem this special offer.

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1. Gone With the Wind Listen here
The American Film Institute's #1 Top 100 Greatest Line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," is from the classic Gone With the Wind. Published in 1936, this story took over America's hearts and later became one of the greatest movies of all time. To date, the novel has been translated into 25 languages, and more than 28 million copies have been sold. Making it one of the most popular books of all time too.

2. Pride and Prejudice Listen here
Two centuries ago, on Jan. 28, 1813, Jane Austen's second novel first saw print. From its immortal opening sentence, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife," Pride & Prejudice has enchanted readers around the world, in every language, for 200 years. - USA Today

3. The Rosie Project Listen here
In this international sensation, Don Tillman, a genetics professor, is turning 40. He's smart, good looking and wealthy, but also has Asperger's Syndrome. Don decides that it's time to find a wife and then hilarity ensues. MediumMagazine says this book is "showing the world that Asperger’s Syndrome does not rule out romantic love."

4. Every Breath Listen here
Since his best-selling novel The Notebook was published in 1996, Nicholas Sparks has taken readers on captivating stories. Every Breath is his latest release and follows the lives of Hope Anderson, whose father is diagnosed with ALS, and Tru Walls, who recently received a letter from a man claiming to be his father. They cross paths and... well, you can read the rest.

5. Call Me By Your Name Listen hereUSA TODAY remarks, "The coming-of-age drama Call Me By Your Name relishes young romance, the delicacy of love and the satisfaction of downing a glass of apricot juice in the gorgeous northern Italy countryside." The novel was adapted into a film and won an astonishing 107 awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

6. The Time Traveler's WifeListen here
Audrey Niffenegger's debut novel crosses between science fiction and romance. The story is derived from Niffenegger's past experiences around failed love affairs and there is an overarching theme of love, loss and time throughout the novel. When asked about what inspired her to write the novel she said, "The phrase 'The Time Traveler's Wife' popped into my head, and I started wondering what sort of lady would marry a time traveler."

7. Wuthering Heights Listen here
Emily Brontë’s only novel is one of the most iconic love stories of all time. What's interesting about it though is the "well-crafted nightmare" it resonates; that the love story between Heathcliff and Cathy is a shiny coat over the abuse and mind games that are going on throughout the book. And with that, you either love it or hate it.

8. Jane Eyre Listen here
Emily's sister Charlotte Brontë published more works in her life and Jane Eyre is considered to be her best and most famous novel. The novel, first published in 1847, is considered well ahead of its time with elements of social criticism and first person narrative.

9. The Princess Bride Listen here
The 1987 film is a classic (if you consider 80s movies now classics) but the original novel is a masterpiece all on its own. This adventure story has everything you could want: the good guy, some bad guys, the girl, sword fighting, revenge, romance, of course a happy ending, and rodents of unusual size.

10. Just KidsListen here
Rock legend Patti Smith fulfilled her promise to former long-time roommate and partner Robert Mapplethorpe with this 2010 National Book Award memoir. Smith takes a look back at her times in New York City and her relationship with Mapplethorpe, who passed away from AIDS complications in 1989.

Sources: USA TODAY, Audible, Medium Magazine, Vox Media, Wikipedia

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